Research has shown the foot condition that is known as clubfoot affects approximately one in 1,000 babies. Clubfoot develops in the womb, and it is speculated that the bones and ligaments develop improperly in utero. Additionally, studies have indicated that smoking while pregnant may increase the chances of delivering a baby who has clubfoot. This foot condition will force the infant’s foot to turn in at the ankle while pointing downward. An X-ray may be taken soon after birth to determine its severity, and it is generally followed by starting an effective treatment technique. The Ponseti method uses several plastic casts that can gently stretch and gradually turn the foot. The casts are replaced weekly, and are worn for approximately 12 weeks. This is followed by wearing a brace for several hours each day, which is done for approximately four years. When proper treatment is started as early as possible, the chances of walking and running normally may increase, and the child may lead a healthy life. If your child has clubfoot, it is strongly urged that you consult with a podiatrist who can guide you toward the correct treatment method for it.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Kirk Sherris of Liberty Bay Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Poulsbo, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

The foot condition known as hammertoe is easy to notice. It causes the second or third toe to bend downward at the tip, forcing the toe upward at the middle joint resembling a hammer. It is considered to be a deformity and corns may develop on top of the joint as it rubs against the shoe. Additional symptoms may include swollen toes, pain in the affected joint, and difficulty walking. Practicing toe stretches can be an effective hammertoe exercise. This is done by getting into a runner’s starting position and shifting the body’s weight over the toes. Hold for several seconds while the toes are pressed against the floor. Another exercise is called toe flexion and extension and starts with sitting with the legs straight out. After placing the affected foot over the opposite knee, the toes can be pulled back and pointed as best as possible. This may be difficult to accomplish, depending on the severity of the hammertoe. If you are afflicted with this condition, you must be under the care of a podiatrist who can help you with proper treatment which may include surgery to permanently straighten the toes.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Kirk Sherris from Liberty Bay Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Poulsbo, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Toenail fungus is a nail infection that is characterized by nails that become brittle, yellow, and generally unsightly. In severe cases, the fungus may cause the nail to fall off, and a new nail will grow that forms underneath it. Additionally, common symptoms include a change in the nail shape, and debris may be trapped under the nail. There are specific medical conditions that may put a patient at a greater risk for developing toenail fungus. These can include immune system disorders, genetic factors, or possibly from being diabetic. Many people decide to seek treatment for their toenail fungus, which generally consists of taking prescribed oral and cream medication, and laser treatment may be considered. If you have toenail fungus, it will typically worsen if prompt treatment is not sought. Please contact a podiatrist who can effectively treat toenail fungus.

For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Kirk Sherris of Liberty Bay Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Poulsbo, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Heel spurs are bony hooks that can form on the heel bone. They are essentially calcium deposits that may be caused by wearing significantly ill-fitting footwear. It is possible for heel spurs to cause pain. Heel spurs have an interesting shape. They come to almost a pointy end at the tip of the heel spur. This is why the heel spur is said to resemble a kind of hook shape. The hook points towards the plantar fascia in the foot and is relatively small in size compared to the heel bone. It is suggested that an individual who has heel spurs seek medical attention from a podiatrist if the heel spur is causing significant pain or is inhibiting or preventing motion such as walking. Contact a podiatrist today and schedule an appointment if you are struggling with heel spurs. 

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Dr. Kirk Sherris from Liberty Bay Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Poulsbo, WA . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.